Athletic performance data system and method

ABSTRACT

An athletic performance data system has an athletic field data collection system for obtaining athletic performance data and athlete identifying information for plural athletes at an athletic performance event. An athletic data host server receives the athletic performance test data and athlete identifying information from the athletic field data collection system, and the athletic performance data and athlete identifying information are posted to an athletic performance web site in a separate, personalized page for each of the plural athletes.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/813,218, filed Jun. 13, 2006.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Speed, agility, reaction time, and power are some of the determiningcharacteristics influencing the athleticism of an athlete. Accordingly,athletes strive to improve their athletic performance in these areas,and coaches and recruiters tend to seek those athletes that have thebest set of these characteristics for the particular sport.

One method for evaluating and comparing athletes' athleticism involveshaving the athletes perform a common set of exercises and drills.Athletes that perform the exercises or drills more quickly and/or moreaccurately are usually considered to be better than those with slower orless accurate performance for the same exercise or drill. For example,“cone drills” are routinely used in training and evaluating athletes. Ina typical “cone drill” the athlete must follow a pre-determined coursebetween several marker cones and, in the process, execute a number ofrapid direction changes, and/or switch from forward to backward orlateral running.

Previously, efforts to meaningfully compile and evaluate the timing andother information gathered from these exercises and drills had beenlimited. For example, while the fastest athlete from a group of athletesthrough a given drill may be determinable, these known systems do notallow that athlete to be meaningfully compared to athletes from all overthe world that may not have participated in the exact same drill on theexact same day. However, a universal and objective athleticism ratingsystem for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance hasnow been described in PCT application No. PCT/US2005/040493 forAthleticism Rating and Performance Measuring Systems, assigned to SPARQ,Inc. of Portland, Oreg.

An aspect of such athleticism rating systems is the collection resultsfrom various athletic performance tests for each athlete and calculatingan athleticism rating from the data. The performance test results aretypically recorded manually for each athlete and are entered or uploadedas performance data to a computer, such as a web server, to have theathleticism rating calculated. Such manual handling of the performancetest results is generally manageable for the relatively small numbers ofathletes on an individual team or at some athletic camps. But for largernumbers of athletes or other participants, manual handling of theperformance test results can be unwieldy and can introduce errors in thetranscription of the data.

Accordingly, the present invention includes an athletic performance datasystem having an athletic field data collection system for obtainingathletic performance data and athlete identifying information for pluralathletes at an athletic performance event. An athletic data host serverreceives the athletic performance test data and athlete identifyinginformation from the athletic field data collection system, and theathletic performance data and athlete identifying information are postedto an athletic performance web site in a separate, personalized page foreach of the plural athletes.

In one implementation, the present invention includes an athletic fielddata collection system that provides automated handling and uploading ofathletic performance data, such as for use in calculating athleticismratings. In one implementation, the athletic field data collectionsystem is portable and self-powered to be operable in the outdoor fieldenvironment of many athletic activities. The system provides accurateand reliable identification of the performance data for each athlete,minimizes the manual handling of the data by performance evaluators, andprovides prompt uploading of the data for calculation of an athleticismrating. In addition, the system may provide an athleticism rating foreach athlete as a separate web page that can be personalized by theathlete.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodimentthereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an athletic performance data systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one implementation of an athletic fielddata collection system employed in the athletic performance data systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an athletic field data collection method.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an athletic field data posting method inwhich athletic performance data are uploaded and posted as athleticperformance web pages.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary athleticperformance web page.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an athletic performance data system 100according to the present invention. Athletic performance data system 100includes an athletic field data collection system 110 that providesautomated handling and uploading of athletic performance data, such asfor use in calculating athleticism ratings. In one implementation, theathletic field data collection system 110 is portable and self-poweredto be operable in the outdoor field environment of many athleticactivities.

Athletic field data collection system 110 provides collection of data onathletic performance from numerous athletes performing a variety ofathletic performance tests. For example, the athletic performance testsmay form the basis of an athletic performance rating such as a universaland objective athleticism rating system for accurately detecting andrecording athletic performance as described in PCT application No.

PCT/US2005/040493 for Athleticism Rating and Performance MeasuringSystems, assigned to SPARQ, Inc. of Portland, Oreg. Such athleticperformance tests may relate to general athletic fitness or performanceor may relate to a specific sport.

Athletic field data collection system 110 transmits athletic performancetest data and at least preliminary athlete identifying information via acommunication channel 120 to an athletic data host server 130.Communication channel 120 may include a global computer network (e.g.,the Internet) and a connection between it and athletic field datacollection system 110. In one implementation, the connection betweenathletic field data collection system 110 and the global computernetwork may include a cellular telephone network connection tofacilitate remote wireless communication.

Athletic data host server 130 receives the athletic performance testdata and at least preliminary athlete identifying information for eachparticipating athlete. The athletic performance test data and theathlete identifying information for each athlete are automaticallyentered into corresponding fields of a personalized athletic performanceweb page template 140. A personalized athletic performance web page 150the incorporating the athletic performance test data and the athleteidentifying information into template 140 is automatically posted to anetwork site server 160. In one implementation, athletic performance webpage 150 forms part of an athletic performance web site 170 that ishosted on network site server 160 and has the personalized athleticperformance web pages of multiple participating athletes.

In one implementation, each personalized athletic performance web page150 automatically includes optional fields or segments into which theathlete may incorporate additional personal or other information tofurther personalize his or her athletic performance web page 150. Eachpersonalized athletic performance web page 150 may be initially postedto athletic performance web site 170 in a private mode or a public mode.In the private mode the page 150 would be accessible only by theathlete, and in the public mode the page 150 would be accessible bygenerally anyone accessing the athletic performance web site. Even ifinitially posted in the private mode, the athlete could change the page150 to be available in a public mode.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one implementation of an athletic fielddata collection system 110 employed in accordance with the presentinvention. Athletic field data collection system 110 includes a maindata collection kiosk 212 and optionally one or more (e.g., three, onlyone shown) supplemental data collection kiosks 214. Each kiosk 212 and214 is battery- or line-powered and includes a data collecting computersystem 216 and a user interface (e.g., keyboard, touch screen, bar codescanner, etc.) 218 through which data can be entered into the datacollecting computer system 216. Main data collection kiosk 212 alsoincludes a data collection server 220 that is in wired communicationwith the data collecting computer system 216 in main kiosk 212 andcommunicates over a local wireless (e.g., wi-fi) network 223 with thedata collecting computer systems 216 in supplemental kiosks 214. Maindata collection kiosk 212 may further include a remote wirelesscommunication system 221 for communicating over communication channel120 with athletic data host server 130 (FIG. 1).

Data collection system 110 further includes one or more handheldcomputers 222 that each runs an athletic field data collectionapplication to capture and store athletic performance results. In oneimplementation, each handheld computer 222 includes a barcode scanner224, a digital camera 226 for taking athlete photos, and a wireless(e.g., wi-fi) interface 228 for wireless communication over localwireless (e.g., wi-fi) network 223 with data collection server 220 fortransferring performance results thereto.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an athletic field data collection method 300that employs athletic field data collection system 110 to collect dataon athletic performance from numerous athletes performing a variety ofathletic performance tests. For purposes of illustration, datacollection method 300 is described with reference to collecting athleticperformance data for one of multiple athletes performing athleticperformance tests. For example, the athletic performance data could becollected as part of a performance testing event in which athletesparticipate to obtain an athleticism rating.

In step 302, the athlete is provided a tag with a uniquemachine-readable identifier. For example, the tag may be a wristbandthat is worn by the athlete, and the unique machine-readable identifiermay be a barcode or a similar identifier that uniquely identifies theathlete during the performance rating event.

In step 304, the identifier on the tag worn by the athlete is scanned ata machine scanner to initialize a field data collection record for theathlete. For example, the identifier is a barcode and it is scanned withthe barcode reader 224 of a handheld computer 222 operated byperformance testing event worker (e.g., official or volunteer).Additional preliminary identification of the athlete may also be enteredas part of initializing the field data collection record for theathlete. For example, a photograph of the athlete may be obtained withthe digital camera 226 of handheld device 222. It will be appreciatedthat such initialization of the field data collection record, entailingscanning of a barcode and taking a digital photograph, allows theperformance testing event worker to promptly serve numerous athleteswith minimal delay and inconvenience. Other athlete information can alsobe entered at the time of initialization, such as the athlete height orweight, or any other information about the athlete.

In step 306, the athlete performs an athletic performance test. Forexample, the athletic performance test may be one of multiple athleticperformance tests that form the basis of an athletic performance ratingsuch as a universal and objective athleticism rating system foraccurately detecting and recording athletic performance as described inPCT application No. PCT/US2005/040493. The athletic performance testsmay relate to general athletic fitness or performance or may relate to aspecific sport.

In step 308, the results of an athlete's athletic performance test arerecorded. For example, the athletic performance test results arerecorded by the performance event testing worker scanning the athlete'sbarcode tag with the handheld computer 222, accessing the specificperformance test from among plural performance tests, and entering theathlete's results for that performance test. Steps 306 and 308 may berepeated for each of the multiple athletic performance tests to beincluded in the athletic performance rating.

In one implementation, multiple performance test results are temporarilystored in the one or more handheld computer for multiple athletes. Theremay be one or more handheld computers 222 used at each performance test,or a handheld computer 222 may be used at more than one performancetest, depending on the number of athletes participating in theperformance testing event.

In step 310, initializing information and performance test resultsstored in each handheld computer 222 are transferred to data collectionserver 220. In one implementation, handheld computers 222 communicatewith data collection server 220 via extended range local wirelessnetwork 223 and transfer batches of performance test results formultiple athletes. It will be appreciated that performance test resultscould alternatively be transferred as they are entered, but such animplementation would typically draw excessive battery power fromhandheld computers 222.

In step 312, the performance test results for each athlete arecorrelated into the field data collection record.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an athletic field data posting method 400 inwhich athletic performance data collected with athletic field datacollection system 110 are uploaded to athletic data host server 130 andposted as athletic performance web pages 150 on athletic performance website 170. Athletic field data posting method 400 is described withreference to the uploading of data for one athlete, but is similarlyapplicable to each a multiple athletes participating in a performancetesting event.

In step 402, the athlete proceeds to one of kiosks 212 and 214 to obtaina summary of performance test results and to provide additionalidentifying information. Typically, the athlete proceeds to one ofkiosks 212 and 214 upon completion of all of the multiple athleticperformance tests required for the athletic performance rating, butcompletion of all of the athletic performance tests is not required.

For example, at one of kiosks 212 and 214, the athlete has his or heridentifying wristband scanned to access athletic performance testresults. The athlete is prompted to enter at least his or her name andelectronic contact information (e.g., an email address) and is provideda hard copy summary of performance test results, which may includeindividual performance test results or an athleticism rating, or both.The hard copy summary may also include access information for accessingthe personalized athletic performance web page 150 that will beavailable for the athlete on athletic performance web site 170. Theaccess information may additionally or alternatively be sent to theathlete's email address. The athlete may also be prompted to enteradditional information such as his or her height, weight, gender, schoolor team, primary sport, position, etc.

In step 404, the performance test results and identifying informationfor each athlete are uploaded from athletic field data collection system110 athletic data host server 130.

In step 406, the athletic performance test data and the athleteidentifying information for each athlete are automatically entered intocorresponding fields of a personalized athletic performance web pagetemplate 140 to form athletic performance web page 150, which may alsoinclude an athleticism rating for the athlete links to sites withtraining information suited for the performance test results.

In step 408, the athletic performance web page 150 of each athlete isposted to web site 170 and made available over a global computer network(e.g., the Internet).

In step 410, the athlete accesses his or her athletic performance webpage 150 to view or modify it. Modification may include, for example,any or all of adding text, music, photos, links, etc.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary athleticperformance web page 150. Athletic performance web page 150 includesplural display panels for displaying various information fields. It willbe appreciated that the athletic performance web page 150 of FIG. 5 ismerely exemplary and that alternative athletic performance web pages mayinclude any or all of the illustrated display panels or alternativedisplay panels.

Athletic performance web page 150 includes a primary display panel 502that includes an identifying pane 504 with identifying information aboutthe athlete and a performance test result pane 506. Identifying pane 504may include identifying information uploaded automatically from athleticfield data collection system 110 and additional information laterprovided by the athlete. The automatically-loaded identifyinginformation may include any or all of the athlete's photograph, name,gender, height, weight, school or team, primary sport, and position.Additional information that may be added by the athlete may includeacademic performance information, grade point average, college choice,season and career goals, season and career highlights, etc. Performancetest result pane 506 displays performance test result informationuploaded automatically from athletic field data collection system 110and may include results of each specific athletic performance testtogether with a calculated athleticism rating.

Athletic performance web page 150 includes a photos pane 510 foraccessing photographs uploaded by the athlete, a videos pane 512 foraccessing videos uploaded by the athlete, and press pane 514 foraccessing copies of press or news reports uploaded by the athlete.Athletic performance web page 150 may also include a community or“friends” pane 516 for accessing the athletic performance web pages 150of other athletes who are friends, teammates, etc. of the athlete, amusic or tunes pane 518 includes links to music of interest to theathlete, a messages pane 520 includes messages posted by visitors to theweb page 150, a team pane 522 includes information or links relating tothe athlete's team, a training pane 524 includes one or more links totraining information suited for the athlete, and a links pane 526includes links to other internet sites of interest to the athlete.

The training information suited for the athlete available from trainingpane 524 can be provided by the operator of web site 170 based upon theathlete's performance test results or athleticism rating. In thisregard, the training information functions more as a training aid forthe athlete than as information about the athlete or his or herinterests. For example, the training information may include specificproposed exercises or drills based upon specific performance testresults.

In addition to athletic performance web pages 150 for individualathletes, athletic performance web site 170 may also include one or moreindices, summaries or search pages by which an athlete's personalizedweb page could be accessed. The search fields may relate to any of theinformation fields included in the athletic performance web pages 150including, but not limited to, athlete name, school name, sport,position, athleticism rating, height, weight, etc. Search results may belisted as according to selected rank criteria, such as performance testresults or athleticism ratings, and may be simple text lists orthumbnail representations of the athletic performance web pages 150. Asa result, athlete's can see how they or their teams rate or rankrelative to other athletes and teams on a local, state, or nationalbasis.

The present invention provides an integrated information system forathletes that incorporates athlete event registration, field datacollection, performance evaluation and ranking, and personal profilecreation. The system provides efficient, wireless handling of fieldevent data and the posting of results in profiles that are accessibleand searchable. Automatic generation of athletic performance web pages150, together with their being customizable by the athletes, providesathletes with performance information and an environment for socialinteraction with other athletes having similar interests and goals.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of ourinvention may be applied, it should be recognized that the detailedembodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of our invention. Rather, the invention includes all suchembodiments as may come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An athletic performance data system,comprising: an athletic field data collection system for generatingathletic performance test data and obtaining athlete identifyinginformation for a plurality of athletes at an athletic performanceevent; an athletic data host server configured to receive the athleticperformance test data and the athlete identifying information from theathletic field data collection system and in response, automaticallygenerate a personalized athletic performance web site for each of theplurality of athletes, the web site comprising: an identifying sectionconfigured to display at least a portion of the identifying informationuploaded from the athletic field data collection system; and aperformance test result section configured to display performance testdata uploaded from the athletic field data collection system.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 in which the athletic field data collection systemincludes one or more handheld computers for recording athleticperformance test results and a data collection server in local wirelesscommunication with the one or more handheld computers for collecting andcorrelating the athletic performance test results.
 3. The system ofclaim 1 in which the athletic field data collection system includes adata collection server that receives the athletic performance data andathlete identifying information for the plural athletes and the datacollection server communicates with the athletic data host server over acommunication channel that includes remote wireless communication. 4.The system of claim 1 in which the personalized athletic performance website for each of the plurality of athletes is generated automaticallyaccording to a common template.
 5. The system of claim 4 in which thepersonalized athletic performance web site for each athlete isconfigured to be modifiable by the athlete.
 6. The system of claim 1 inwhich the athletic performance web site comprises a plurality ofpersonalized web pages and configured to provide access to thepersonalized web pages according to selected information fields includedin the personalized web pages.
 7. A method of generating a personalizedathletic performance web site, comprising: generating athleticperformance test data and obtaining athlete identifying information fora plurality of athletes at an athletic performance event at an athleticfield data collection system; and receiving the athletic performancetest data and the athlete identifying information from the athleticfield data collection system at an athletic data host server, and inresponse, automatically generating a personalized athletic performanceweb site for each of the plurality of athletes, the web site comprising:an identifying section configured to display at least a portion of theidentifying information uploaded from the athletic field data collectionsystem; and a performance test result section configured to displayperformance test data uploaded from the athletic field data collectionsystem.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: recording theathletic performance test data at one or more handheld computers of theathletic field data collection system; and wherein the reception of theathletic performance test data at the data collection system is receivedat a data collection server via a local wireless communication with theone or more handheld computers for collecting and correlating theathletic performance test results.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein thereception of the athletic performance test data and the athleteidentifying information is at a data collection server of the datacollection system; and wherein the data collection server communicateswith the athletic data host server over a communication channel thatincludes remote wireless communication.
 10. The method of claim 7,wherein generating the personalized athletic performance web site foreach of the plurality of athletes comprises: automatically generatingthe athletic performance web site according to a common template. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the generated personalized athleticperformance web site for each athlete is configured to be modifiable bythe athlete.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the athletic performanceweb site comprises a plurality of personalized web pages, the methodfurther comprising: providing access to the personalized web pagesaccording to selected information fields included in the personalizedweb pages.